Ensure queer community gets equal treatment in jails: Centre to states, UTs
MHA had shared Model Prison Manual, 2016 and Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 with all states for implementation.
2 min read
Prison authorities have been requested to sensitise the officials concerned to ensure all persons are treated equally (Reprtesentational Image)The Centre has asked all States, Union Territories and prison authorities to ensure that all persons lodged in jails are treated equally and no person, especially those belonging to queer community, is discriminated against in any manner whatsoever.
The letter was issued on July 15, three months after the Centre notified a committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary “to examine the various issues relating to queer community.”
“The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 17.10.2023, in Writ Petition No. 1011/2022 Supriyo@Supriya Vs. Union of India, has directed the Central Government to constitute a committee to be chaired by the Cabinet Secretary to examine the various issues relating to queer community,” the gazette notification stated.
In his letter, Director (prisons reforms) Arun Sobti said, “It has come to the notice of the MHA that members of the queer community (LGBTQ+) are often discriminated against because of their gender identity or sexual orientation and often face violence and disrespect. With the objective of ensuring that there is no discrimination in access to goods and services to the queer community, which are available to the public at large, especially with reference to prison visitation rights, the guidelines are reiterated.”
Prison authorities have been requested to sensitise the officials concerned to ensure all persons are treated equally in a fair and just manner and no person, especially those belonging to queer community, are discriminated against in any manner. MHA had shared Model Prison Manual, 2016 and Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023 with all states for implementation.
You May Like
